Marisa Coleen Townsend

Marisa Coleen Townsend, 53, of Peru, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 2:20am.

She was born on April 15, 1972 in Peru, Indiana to James and Vicki (Crawford) Townsend.

Marisa was a joy and a light to all who knew her. She never met a stranger, never forgot a face, and loved everyone she ever met. You never know what she would say next, but there was a good chance it involved checking your tan to see if she was darker, telling you to feel her muscles, or that you needed the carburetor on your car fixed and she would do it for you. Marisa resided in a local group home where she was able to live semi-independently for the last 25 years. She had house mates and staff while living there that she viewed as family but most important to her was her caregiver and best friend Janet.

As a child growing up in Denver, Marisa could frequently be found riding her bike in the bank parking lot and offering to pump gas or air up tires for the guests at the gas station. There was not a single resident of Denver in the 80’s that didn’t know and love Marisa.

Marisa is survived by her brothers, William “Billy” Townsend (wife Melody) of Plant City, Florida and Rodger Allen Townsend (wife Frances) of Aransass Pass, Texas and her sister, Jennifer Townsend-Camden (husband Tony) of Peru, Indiana. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Marisa was preceded in death by her father, James Townsend, her mother, Vicki (Crawford) Townsend, and her sister, Lisa Cole.

Marisa’s light, love, and humor will be missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Westlawn Cemetery. Her final resting place will be next to her Mom & Dad.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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